Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing ACADEMICS & Curriculum

Pedagogies and subject courses:

• Mathematics

  Equal Balance

  Mathematics approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Equal Balance

  Dearcroft Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

  [Show: About Equal Balance?]

  Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 67%
    Traditional math - 27%
    Discovery math - 6%
  

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  In the early years, children explore concrete materials that make abstract concepts tangible, building a strong foundation in number sense, operations, and patterns. As they progress, students move seamlessly from manipulatives to more abstract representations, developing problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and mental computation. In multi-age classrooms, peer learning allows students to revisit concepts at their own pace, while teachers provide targeted support in areas needing reinforcement and enrichment in areas of strength. In Junior High, students apply mathematical thinking to real-world contexts, integrating algebra, geometry, and data analysis, fostering critical thinking and independent reasoning. Across all grades, our approach emphasizes mastery, conceptual understanding, and confidence, ensuring students not only perform well academically but also enjoy mathematics and develop a lifelong curiosity and competence in the subject.

  Textbooks and supplementary materials:

  From Casa to Grade 3, students use Montessori hands-on materials to build foundational math skills. From Grades 4 to 8, we combine Jump Math with Montessori materials, supporting conceptual understanding, skill mastery, and individualized learning at every stage.

  Calculator policy:

  This information is not currently available.

• Early Reading

  Phonics-intensive

  Early Reading approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Phonics-intensive

  Dearcroft Montessori has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).

  [Show: About Phonics-intensive?]

  Our Kids definition: Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Phonics-intensive - 48%
    Whole language - 2%
    Balanced literacy - 50%
  

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  In Casa, children engage with hands-on materials, sandpaper letters, and tactile activities to develop letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and sound-symbol connections. These activities are carefully sequenced so students progress at their own pace, mastering each concept before moving on. As students advance, they combine phonics skills with reading comprehension strategies, guided practice, and storytelling to build fluency, vocabulary, and confidence. Multi-age classrooms allow younger students to observe and learn from older peers, reinforcing skills and encouraging collaboration. Teachers provide individualized support for students who need extra help while offering enrichment for those excelling. This approach nurtures a love of reading, strengthens critical thinking, and ensures children develop both decoding and comprehension skills, preparing them for success in all areas of learning.

  DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  This information is not currently available.

• Writing

  Equal balance

  Writing approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Equal balance

  Dearcroft Montessori has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).

  [Show: About Equal balance?]

  Our Kids definition: Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 78%
    Systematic approach - 11%
    Process approach - 11%
  

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  Writing begins as a natural extension of language development and early literacy. In the younger grades, children start with hands-on, multi-sensory activities such as tracing sandpaper letters and using movable alphabets to connect sounds with letter forms and develop fine motor skills. This foundational work builds control, confidence, and familiarity with written language. As students progress, they move from forming words and sentences to composing paragraphs, essays, and creative pieces, developing fluency, clarity, and critical thinking. Student-paced learning ensures each child receives individualized support, reinforcing areas needing growth and offering enrichment for strengths. Multi-age classrooms foster peer modeling and collaboration, while ongoing teacher guidance nurtures both academic skill and self-expression. By the upper grades, students are able to research, organize ideas, and communicate with precision and creativity, ensuring a smooth transition from foundational writing to advanced, independent, and confident written communication.

• Science

  Equal Balance

  Science approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Equal Balance

  Dearcroft Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

  [Show: About Equal Balance?]

  Our Kids definition: Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 68%
    Expository - 7%
    Inquiry - 25%
  

  Teaching approach:

  Science is taught as a hands-on, inquiry-based journey that fosters curiosity, observation, and critical thinking from Casa through Junior High. In the early years, children explore the natural world through sensory experiences, experiments, and practical activities, developing foundational skills in observation, classification, and cause-and-effect reasoning. As students progress, lessons become more structured, incorporating hands-on experiments, research, and problem-solving to build understanding in life, earth, and physical sciences. Multi-age classrooms encourage peer learning, discussion, and collaboration, allowing students to explore concepts at their own pace while teachers provide individualized guidance to address areas of strength and growth. By Junior High, students engage in more complex investigations, data analysis, and scientific reasoning, often connecting learning to real-world contexts. Across all grades, our approach emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of discovery, preparing students to understand and question the world around them while developing skills for lifelong learning.

  
  

  Treatment of evolution:

  Subject	Offered
  Evolution as consensus theory
  Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
  Evolution is not taught

  
  

  Topics covered in curriculum:

  Subject	Offered
  Biology
  Chemistry
  Ecology
  Geology
  Meteorology
  Physics
  Physiology
  Zoology

• Literature

  Equal Balance

  Literature approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Equal Balance

  Dearcroft Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

  [Show: About Equal Balance?]

  Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 73%
    Traditional - 25%
    Social justice - 2%
  

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  Literature is taught as both a tool for language development and a window into imagination, culture, and critical thinking. In the early years, children explore stories through read-alouds, storytelling, and interactive materials that develop listening, comprehension, and narrative skills. As students progress, they engage with a wider variety of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and multicultural literature, analyzing themes, characters, and plot while developing vocabulary and writing connections. Multi-age classrooms encourage peer discussion and shared exploration, allowing younger students to learn from older peers and older students to develop leadership and reflective thinking. In Junior High, literature study becomes more analytical, fostering critical interpretation, debate, and written responses. Across all grades, our approach emphasizes a love of reading, curiosity about ideas and perspectives, and the ability to think deeply and independently. Students graduate with strong comprehension, communication, and critical-thinking skills, prepared for academic success and lifelong engagement with literature.

  
  

  Program covers:

  Subject	Offered
  Canadian lit
  American lit
  European (continental) lit
  World (non-Western) lit
  English lit
  Ancient lit

• Social Studies

  Core Knowledge

  Social Studies approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Core Knowledge

  Dearcroft Montessori has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).

  [Show: About Core Knowledge?]

  Our Kids definition: Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Core knowledge - 39%
    Expanding communities - 28%
    Thematic - 33%
  

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  Social studies is taught as an exploration of history, culture, geography, and community, helping students understand the world and their place in it. In the elementary years, children engage with hands-on materials, timelines, maps, and interactive projects to explore concepts such as civilizations, local communities, and global connections. Lessons emphasize critical thinking, inquiry, and the development of perspective, encouraging students to ask questions, analyze information, and make connections across topics. Multi-age classrooms foster collaboration and peer learning, allowing older students to mentor younger ones while reinforcing their own understanding. Field trips, community projects, and discussions extend learning beyond the classroom, helping students apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Through this approach, students develop not only a strong factual understanding of social studies but also empathy, civic awareness, and the ability to think critically about human societies and their responsibilities as global citizens.

• Humanities and Social Sciences

  Equal Balance

  Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Equal Balance

  Dearcroft Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

  [Show: About Equal Balance?]

  Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 79%
    Perennialism - 8%
    Pragmatism - 13%
  

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  The humanities and social sciences are taught as an integrated exploration of culture, history, society, and human experience. From early grades through Junior High, students engage with a variety of materials, projects, and discussions that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy. Lessons incorporate storytelling, research, timelines, maps, and interactive activities to make abstract concepts tangible and meaningful. Multi-age classrooms allow students to learn collaboratively, with older children mentoring younger peers, deepening understanding for both. Field trips, community projects, and inquiry-based investigations connect learning to real-world contexts, helping students see the relevance of their studies. This approach emphasizes not only academic knowledge but also ethical reasoning, perspective-taking, and cultural awareness. By fostering analytical skills, social responsibility, and communication, students develop a holistic understanding of the world and their role within it, preparing them to be thoughtful, informed, and compassionate global citizens.

• Foreign Languages

  Equal Balance

  Foreign Languages approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Equal Balance

  Dearcroft Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).

  [Show: About Equal Balance?]

  Our Kids definition: These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 64%
    Audio-lingual - 4%
    Communicative - 32%
  

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  At Dearcroft Montessori – Trafalgar Crossing, foreign language learning is integrated to foster communication, cultural awareness, and cognitive development. French is offered as part of the core in-class curriculum, from Toddler through Junior High, allowing students to develop fluency progressively, practice conversation, and build vocabulary through immersive and engaging activities. In addition, after-school clubs provide Mandarin and Arabic instruction, giving students exposure to diverse languages and cultures in a hands-on, interactive format. Lessons emphasize listening, speaking, and cultural understanding, encouraging curiosity about the world and empathy for different communities.

  
  

  Language instruction offered in:

  Subject	Offered
  Chinese-Cantonese
  Chinese-Mandarin
  French
  German
  Greek
  Italian
  Japanese
  Hebrew
  Latin
  Russian
  Spanish
  ESL

• Fine Arts

  Equal Balance

  Fine Arts approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Equal Balance

  Dearcroft Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).

  [Show: About Equal Balance?]

  Our Kids definition: These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 63%
    Receptive - 1%
    Creative - 36%
  

  
  

  Program offers:

  Subject	Offered
  Acting
  Dance
  Drama/Theatre
  Graphic Design
  Music
  Visual Arts

  
  

  Visual studio philosophy:

  Expressive
  Disciplined

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  The fine arts are an integral part of our curriculum from Casa through Junior High, nurturing creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking. Students explore music, visual arts, and performance through hands-on, experiential learning that encourages experimentation and personal interpretation. Early years focus on sensory engagement, rhythm, color, and form, helping children build confidence and foundational skills. As students progress, they engage in more complex artistic projects, combining technique with creativity, exploring art history, composition, and collaborative performances. Multi-age classrooms allow younger students to learn from older peers and older students to mentor and refine their skills. Our approach emphasizes process over product, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving, while cultivating appreciation for diverse artistic traditions. By integrating fine arts into daily learning, students develop self-expression, cultural awareness, and creative thinking, preparing them to approach challenges with imagination, adaptability, and confidence in all areas of life.

• Computers and Technology

  Light integration

  Computers and Technology approach at Dearcroft Montessori: Light integration

  Dearcroft Montessori has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).

  [Show: About Light integration?]

  Our Kids definition: Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

  Compare Dearcroft Montessori's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:

    Light integration - 22%
    Heavy integration - 26%
    Medium integration - 52%
  

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  Computers and technology are thoughtfully integrated into the elementary curriculum to enhance learning, creativity, and problem-solving while supporting Montessori principles. Students engage in hands-on activities, including robotics, to explore coding, engineering, and logical thinking in a playful, experiential way. Technology is used intentionally to complement core learning, supporting research, projects, and real-world applications that deepen understanding across subjects. Light integration of computers allows students to develop digital literacy and organizational skills while maintaining focus on independence, critical thinking, and collaboration. Lessons emphasize responsible, purposeful use of technology, helping children see it as a tool to communicate ideas, solve problems, and create. By embedding robotics and technology into the elementary program, students develop both technical skills and cognitive, social, and creative abilities, ensuring they are confident, capable, and prepared to navigate a digitally connected world without losing the hands-on, self-directed learning that defines Montessori education.

  
  

  Program covers:

  Subject	Offered
  Computer science
  Robotics
  Web design

• Physical Education

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  Physical education is an integral part of our holistic curriculum, designed to develop strength, coordination, teamwork, and a lifelong love of movement. Our Integrated Athletics Program exposes students to a variety of sports and activities each term, including track and field, hockey, skating, cross-country, soccer, basketball, and swimming. Lessons build skills progressively, promote physical fitness, and encourage collaboration, resilience, and healthy competition in a supportive environment. Multi-age participation allows younger students to learn from older peers, while older students develop leadership and mentoring skills. Emphasis is placed not only on athletic performance but also on character development, sportsmanship, and personal goal-setting. Activities are adapted to meet individual needs and abilities, ensuring all students can participate and succeed. Through this program, children cultivate confidence, discipline, teamwork, and physical literacy, while developing a lifelong appreciation for an active, healthy lifestyle.

• Sex and health education

  What Dearcroft Montessori says:

  This information is not currently available.